U.S. patent application number 13/389045 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-31 for safety apparatus for motorcycle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ji Young Yun. Invention is credited to Hiyun Yun.
Application Number | 20120133116 13/389045 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43586600 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120133116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yun; Hiyun |
May 31, 2012 |
SAFETY APPARATUS FOR MOTORCYCLE
Abstract
Disclosed is a safety device for motorcycle, the safety device
for motorcycle comprising: a supporting assembly installed onto
both lateral side of the motorcycle body, with a plurality of parts
of which are rotatable relative to each other; a supporting wheel
installed onto the supporting assembly which is rotatable relative
to the supporting assembly a push-pull unit that connects the
supporting assembly to the motorcycle body, pushes the supporting
assembly in order for the supporting wheel contacting with ground,
and pulls the supporting assembly in order for the supporting wheel
for taking off the ground; and a control unit that controls the
push-pull unit. According to the present invention the motorcycle
will not easily fall down when it stops for a moment in driving,
the driver can easily support the motorcycle, and the motorcycle
will not incline over a predetermined angle in driving curved
path.
Inventors: |
Yun; Hiyun; (Nam-gu,
KR) |
Assignee: |
Yun; Ji Young
Ulsan
KR
|
Family ID: |
43586600 |
Appl. No.: |
13/389045 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
July 1, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR10/04264 |
371 Date: |
February 6, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/755 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 27/00 20130101;
B62H 1/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/755 |
International
Class: |
B62D 49/08 20060101
B62D049/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 14, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0075110 |
Claims
1. A safety device for a motorcycle, comprising: a supporting
assembly installed onto lateral sides of a body of a motorcycle and
having a plurality of parts that are rotatable relative to each
other; a supporting wheel installed onto the supporting assembly
and rotatable relative to the supporting assembly; a push-pull unit
connecting the supporting assembly to the body, adapted to push the
supporting assembly so that the supporting wheel contacts a ground,
and adapted to pull the supporting assembly so that the supporting
wheel takes off the ground; and a control unit for controlling the
push-pull unit, wherein the control unit 400 includes: a pressure
tank disposed in the body, a plurality of pipes that link the
push-pull unit to the pressure tank, a valve unit connected to the
pipes and adapted to control a flow direction of compressed air
filled in the pressure tank, and a manipulation unit for
controlling the valve unit, and wherein the manipulation unit
includes: a slope detection unit for detecting a slope of the body
when the body is inclined over a predetermined angle.
2. The safety device for a motorcycle as recited in claim 1,
wherein the supporting assembly includes: a first part installed
onto the body detachably; a second part connected to the first part
rotatably; and a third part connected to the second part rotatably,
connected to the push-pull unit and connected to the supporting
wheel.
3. The safety device for a motorcycle as recited in claim 2,
wherein a stopper is disposed on the first part to restrict a
rotational angle of the second part.
4. The safety device for a motorcycle as recited in claim 2,
wherein the second part is rotatable relative to the first part, an
end of the first part is connected to one end of the second part by
a first connection pin, the third part is rotatable relative to the
second part, an other end of the second part is connected to an end
of the third part by a second connection pin, and an angle between
the first connection pin and the second connection pin is 90
degrees or less.
5. The safety device for a motorcycle as recited in claim 1,
wherein the push-pull unit comprises: a connection part connected
to the supporting assembly rotatably; an air cylinder having one
end connected to the body rotatably and an other end that
corresponds to an end of a rod and is connected to the connection
part rotatably; and a spring having one end inserted into the rod
and an other end supporting a surface of the connection part.
6. (canceled)
7. The safety device for a motorcycle as recited in claim 6,
wherein the manipulation unit comprises: a changeover switch
connected to the valve unit and adapted to toggle between an auto
mode and a manual mode; a manual switch connected to the changeover
switch; an auto switch adapted to be enabled or disabled according
to a speed of the body; and a speed sensor connected to the auto
switch and adapted to detect a speed of the body.
8. (canceled)
9. The safety device for a motorcycle as recited in claim 6,
further comprising: a pressure control unit for controlling a
pressure change in the pressure tank due to a movement of the
push-pull unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a safety device to be
installed in a motorcycle.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, motorcycles are equipped with a body--or
frame--on which handle bar 10 is mounted, two--a pair of--wheels 30
that are installed onto front and rear side of the body 20, an
engine (not illustrated) for generating power that is mounted on
the body, drivelines (not illustrated) that transfer the power
generated by the engine, a brake system (not illustrated) that
control revolution speed of wheels 30. The body is equipped with a
saddle on which driver sit.
[0003] Driving power is generated by the engine of the motorcycle,
and delivered to the wheels 30. The wheels 30 rotate by driving
power delivered via the drivelines. The motorcycle drives by
rotation of the wheels 30 that keep contact with the ground.
[0004] The brake system can be activated in order to stop the
motorcycle.
[0005] The brake system reduces speed of revolution of the wheels
30 and then stops the wheels 30. By stopping the wheels 30 the
motorcycle can be brought to a standstill.
[0006] The driver put each of his foot to the ground to support the
motorcycle when the motorcycle is stopped. The motorcycle is almost
perpendicular to the ground then. When the driver drives the
motorcycle driving power generated by the engine is delivered to
the wheels again to rotate the wheels.
[0007] In the meantime, the driver stands the motorcycle with the
help of the supporting unit equipped on the body when he do not
wishes to drive the motorcycle that is already in stopped
status--when he wishes to park the motorcycle.
[0008] According to an example of the supporting unit, a rotatable
stanchion is connected to lower part of the body, and the stanchion
and the body is linked by a spring. In particular, one end of the
stanchion is connected to a pin that is equipped on the body. One
end of the spring is connected to the body and the other is
connected to the other end of the stanchion.
[0009] The stanchion maintains horizontality against the ground
when the motorcycle drives by the elastic force of the spring. The
driver moves the stanchion to the position that is almost
perpendicular to the ground when he stops the motorcycle. Then, he
leans the motorcycle to the direction of the stanchion for the
stanchion to contact with the ground. The stanchion, front wheel
and rear wheel are supported by the ground so that the motorcycle
can be a standstill. And the driver moves the stanchion to a
position that is horizontal to the ground when he drives the
motorcycle.
[0010] However, when the motorcycle stops for a moment in driving
the driver sitting on the saddle should put each of his foot to the
ground in order to support the motorcycle. If both of his feet do
not reach for the ground coincidely, the driver should lean the
motorcycle to a direction to support the motorcycle by one of his
foot that reaches for the ground.
[0011] It do not require so much power to support the
motorcycle--that is, a small amount of force is loaded to the foot
of the driver--when it is perpendicular to the ground, because the
center of mass of the motorcycle is perpendicular to contact point
with the ground (when seen at the front). However, the driver will
potentiate his foot to support the motorcycle--more amount of force
will be loaded to the foot of the driver--when the motorcycle
begins to tilt.
[0012] In particular, the heavier the motorcycle became, the more
force loaded to the foot of the driver to support the motorcycle.
If the driver can not stand the motorcycle by one foot when it is
inclined, the motorcycle will fall down. It is not easy to stand
the fallen down motorcycle again if the motorcycle is heavy by
oneself.
[0013] Furthermore, the motorcycle is not much stable when parked
after driving because it merely supported by a stanchion and two
wheels.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0014] It is the goal of the present invention to provide solution
for the driver to support the motorcycle in driving easily
temporarily. And, for the driver to stand the motorcycle more
stable after driving.
Technical Solution
[0015] In order to achieve the goal stated above the present
invention is characterized in that the safety device the motorcycle
comprises: a supporting assembly installed onto both lateral side
of the motorcycle body, with a plurality of parts of which are
rotatable relative to each other; a supporting wheel installed onto
the supporting assembly which is rotatable relative to the
supporting assembly; a push-pull unit that connects the supporting
assembly to the motorcycle body, pushes the supporting assembly in
order for the supporting wheel contacting with ground, and pulls
the supporting assembly in order for the supporting wheel for
taking off the ground; and a control unit that controls the
push-pull unit.
[0016] It is desirable that the supporting assembly comprises a
first part installed onto the motorcycle body detachably; a second
part connected to the first part rotatably; and a third part
connected to the second part rotatably, connected to the push-pull
unit and connected to the supporting wheel.
[0017] It is desirable that the second part is rotatable relative
to the first part for an end of the first part and an end of the
second part connected by a first connection pin, the third part is
rotatable relative to the second part for the other end of the
second part and an end of the third part connected by a second
connection pin, and the interior angle between the first connection
pin and the second connection pin is below 90 degree.
[0018] It is desirable that the push-pull unit comprises: a
connection part connected to the supporting assembly rotatably; an
air cylinder that an end of which is connected to the motorcycle
body rotatably, the other end of which--opened end of rod--is
connected to the connection part rotatably; and a spring that an
end of which is inserted into the rod, the other end is supporting
a surface of the connection part.
[0019] It is desirable that the control unit comprises; a plurality
of piping that link the push-pull unit and a pressure tank equipped
within the motorcycle body, a valve unit that is connected to the
pipings and controls flow direction of compressed air filled in the
pressure tank, manipulation unit that controls the valve unit.
[0020] It is desirable that the manipulation unit is connected to
the valve unit and comprises: a changeover switch that change
status between auto mode and manual mode, a manual switch that is
connected to the changeover switch, an auto switch that is
enabled/disabled due to speed of the motorcycle body, and a speed
sensor connected to the auto switch that detects speed of the
motorcycle body.
[0021] It is desirable that the manipulation unit comprises: a
first and a second open-close valve installed parallelly to each
other onto the pipings that links the pressure tank and the valve
unit, a changeover switch connected to the first open-close valve
that change status between auto mode and manual mode, a manual
switch that is connected to the changeover switch, an auto switch
that is enabled/disabled due to speed of the motorcycle body, a
speed sensor connected to the auto switch that detects speed of the
motorcycle body, and a slope detection unit that detects slope of
the motorcycle body when the motorcycle body is inclined over a
predetermined angle.
[0022] It is desirable that the safety device for motorcycle
further comprises: a pressure control unit that controls pressure
escaping from the pressure tank with the movement of the push-pull
unit.
Advantageous Effects
[0023] According to the safety device for motorcycle as of the
present invention, the safety device pulls the supporting wheels
that are equipped onto the body of the motorcycle when the
motorcycle is driving so that the supporting wheels can be off from
the ground. And, it pushes the supporting wheels so that they can
reach for the ground when the motorcycle stops.
[0024] Therefore, the supporting wheels equipped onto the both side
of the motorcycle moves to ground and support the body against the
ground when the motorcycle stops for a moment, so the motorcycle
body can be brought to a standstill even if the driver do not put
his foot to the ground to support the motorcycle. This makes the
driver more convenient and safe.
[0025] Furthermore, the motorcycle can be much more stable when
parked after driving because the supporting wheels equipped both
side of the body of the motorcycle support the body.
[0026] Furthermore, the supporting wheels keep the motorcycle from
being fallen down when the motorcycle inclined over a predetermined
angle in a curved path driving because the supporting wheel of
incline direction reaches for the ground and supports the body
against the ground.
[0027] Furthermore, the driver can easily make the motorcycle stand
when it falls down by manipulating the control unit of falling
direction so that the push-pull unit pushes the supporting assembly
and the supporting wheels at the same time, and then the supporting
wheels push the motorcycle body while it keep contact with the
ground.
[0028] Furthermore, the supporting wheels keep the driver from
being wounded when the motorcycle slide and fall down because the
supporting wheels become in touch with the ground quickly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0029] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows front view illustrating an example of
motorcycle
[0031] FIG. 2 shows plane view illustrating a motorcycle equipped
with the safety device for motorcycle according to the present
invention,
[0032] FIG. 3 shows partial front view illustrating a motorcycle
equipped with the safety device for motorcycle according to the
present invention,
[0033] FIG. 4 shows partial plane view illustrating a supporting
assembly which is a part of the safety device for motorcycle.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows piping diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
pressure control unit which is a part of the safety device for
motorcycle.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows plane view illustrating a pressure control unit
which is a part of the safety device for motorcycle.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows piping diagram illustrating other embodiment of
a pressure control unit which is a part of the safety device for
motorcycle.
BEST MODE
[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the safety device according to
the present invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows plane view illustrating a motorcycle equipped
with the safety device for motorcycle according to the present
invention, and FIG. 3 shows partial front view illustrating a
motorcycle equipped with the safety device for motorcycle according
to the present invention.
[0039] A first embodiment of the safety device according to the
present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and
FIG. 3.
[0040] The motorcycle comprises a body 20 equipped with a handle
bar 10, two--a pair of--wheels 30 that are equipped onto front and
rear side of the body 20, an engine (not illustrated) mounted on
the body 20 for generating power, drivelines (not illustrated) that
transfer the power generated by the engine, a brake system (not
illustrated) that control revolution speed of wheels 30. The body
20 is equipped with a saddle on which driver sit.
[0041] A safety device for motorcycle according to the present
invention is installed onto the motorcycle body 20.
[0042] The safety device comprises two supporting assemblies 100,
two supporting wheels 200, push-pull units 300, and control units
400.
[0043] The two supporting assemblies 200 are installed to the both
lateral side of the motorcycle body 20 detachably. The two
supporting assemblies 200 are installed symmetrically around the
motorcycle body 20. The supporting wheels 200 are equipped onto the
supporting assemblies 100. The push-pull unit 300 that pushes of
pulls the supporting assemblies 200 is equipped onto the both
lateral side of the motorcycle body 20. The control units 400 that
control the push-pull units 300 are equipped onto the both lateral
side of the motorcycle body 20.
[0044] Hereinafter, a supporting assembly 100, a supporting wheel
200, a push-pull unit 300 and a control unit 400 installed onto one
side of the motorcycle body 20 will be described.
[0045] The supporting assembly 100 comprises a first part 110
installed onto the motorcycle body detachably, a second part 120
connected to the first part rotatably(moveably), and a third part
130 connected to the second part rotatably(moveably).
[0046] It is desirable that the first part 110 has predetermined
thickness and rectangular extent as illustrated in FIG. 4. A
plurality of first penetration holes 111 are perforated on a side
of the first part 110, and a connection part 112 is formed on the
other side of the first part 110. The connection part 112 has
uniform width and predetermined length. A second penetration hole
113 is perforated across the connection part 112. The second
penetration hole 113 is perforated along the widthwise direction of
the connection part 112.
[0047] The first part 110 is connected by the pipes P that are part
of the motorcycle body 20 detachably by a plurality of U-shaped
bolts 140 and nuts (not illustrated) tighten by the bolts 130.
[0048] The U-shaped bolts 140 surround the pipes P and are inserted
to the first penetration holes 111. Then the nuts are tightened
with the U-shaped bolts 140.
[0049] The second part 120 comprises a body 121, first connection
parts 122 equipped on one end of the body 121, second connection
parts 123 equipped on the other end of the body 121.
[0050] It is desirable that the body 121 of the second part 120 has
predetermined thickness and a circular arc extent. The first
connection part 122 comprises two projections that are formed on
one end of the body 121. The two projections has predetermined
distance in between, the distance between the two projections
equals or is longer than the width of the connection part 112 of
the first part 110. Each of the two projections has penetration
hole on it and the center of the two penetration holes exist on the
same line. The second connection part 123 protruded on the other
end of the body has predetermined width and length. A penetration
hole is perforated across the connection part 123, the penetration
hole is perforated along the widthwise direction of the second
connection part 123.
[0051] The first connection part 122 of the second part 120 is
connected to the connection part 112 of the first part 110. That
is, the connection part 112 of the first part 110 is inserted
between the two projections of the first connection part 122.
[0052] The interior angle between the center line of the
penetration holes of the first connection part 112 and the center
line of the penetration holes of the second connection part 113 is
below 90 degree. A first connection pin 150 is inserted through the
penetration hole of the first part 110 and the penetration hole of
the first connection part 122 of the second part 120. A bolt can be
inserted as a substitution of the first connection pin 150.
[0053] The second part 120 is movable with the first connection pin
150 as an axis of movement while the first part 110 is fixed. It is
desirable that a stopper 114 is equipped on the first part in order
to keep the second part 120 from moving below (under) the
horizontal position against the first part 110 while the first part
110 is fixed.
[0054] It is desirable that the stopper 140 comprises projections
that are protruded on the connection part 112 of the first part
114.
[0055] The second part 120 rotates with the first connection pin as
an axis of rotation until it is blocked by the stopper 114 at the
horizontal position against the first part 110.
[0056] The third part 130 comprises a body 131, a connection part
132 formed on one end of the body 131, and installment part 133
formed on the other end of the body 131. It is desirable that the
body 131 of the third part 130 has predetermined length and curved
shape (when seen from the front). The connection part 132 of the
third part 130 is composed of two projections that are protruded on
one end of the body 131. The two projections have predetermined
distance in between, and the distance between the two projections
equals or is longer than the width of the second connection part
123 of the second part 120. A penetration hole is perforated on
each of the two projections, the center line of the two penetration
holes exist on the same line. The installment part 133 is formed in
order for the supporting wheel 200 being detachable. It is
desirable that the installment part 133 is a spindle that is
combined with an end of the body 131. The spindle and the body 131
can be made as one part.
[0057] The connection part 132 of the third part 130 and the second
connection part 123 of the second part 120 is connected together.
That is, the connection part 132 of the third part 130 is inserted
between the projections of the second connection part 123. A second
connection pin 160 is inserted through the penetration holes of the
connection parts of the second part 120 and the third part 130. The
third part 130 can move(rotate) with the second connection pin 160
as an axis of movement while the second part 120 is fixed.
[0058] The supporting wheel 200 is installed on the installment
part 133 of the third part 130. It is desirable that bearings are
installed on the installment part 133, then the supporting wheel
200 is mounted on that.
[0059] According to a different embodiment of the supporting
assembly 100, the supporting assembly 100 comprises two parts and
connection pins that enable the rotation of the two parts. That is,
it is possible to make the second part and the third part as one
part. Herein, one part is connected to the motorcycle body 20, and
the other is connected to the supporting wheel 200.
[0060] The push-pull unit 300 connects the motorcycle body 20 and
the supporting assembly 100, pushes the supporting assembly 100 to
the ground so that the supporting 200 wheel reaches for the ground,
or pulls the supporting assembly 100 to the motorcycle body 20 so
that the supporting wheel 200 can be off from the ground.
[0061] According to an embodiment of the push-pull unit 300, the
push-pull unit 300 comprises a connection part 310 connected to the
supporting assembly rotatably, an air cylinder 320 that connects
the motorcycle body 20 and the connection part 310, and a spring
installed onto the air cylinder 320.
[0062] A slit 311 equipped on the connection part 310 has
predetermined width and depth. The slit 311 penetrate a side
surface of an end of the connection part 310. One end surface of
the connection part 310 has opening on it.
[0063] The connection part 310 has slit 311 and penetration hole
312 on each side of one end part. Center line of the two holes 312
exists on the same line. A penetration hole 313 is formed on the
other end of the connection part 310. The center line of the two
penetration holes 312 and that of the penetration hole 313 is
perpendicular to each other.
[0064] The third part 130 that is a part of the supporting assembly
100 has combination part 134 where an end of the connection part
310 is connected to rotatably. The combination part 134 is composed
of two blocks formed on upper side of the third part 130. The two
blocks have predetermined distance. A hole is perforated on each of
the two blocks while the two holes have the same center line. An
end part of the connection part 310 is inserted between the two
blocks, bolt is inserted through the penetration hole 313 of the
connection part 310 and holes of the two blocks. Nut is tightened
with the bolt.
[0065] The air cylinder 320 has cylinder body 321 and rod 322 that
is inserted into the cylinder body 321. A first port 323 is formed
on one side of the cylinder body 321 while a second part 324 is
formed on the other side of the cylinder body 321. Inflow of
compressed air can be made into the cylinder body 321 through the
first port 323 and the second port 324 of the cylinder body 321, or
outflow of the compressed air can be made out of the cylinder body
321. Difference between the pressure that influence the first port
323 and the pressures that influence the second port 324 move the
rod 322. Concrete explanation will not be disclosed because the air
cylinder 320 belongs to prior art.
[0066] The body 321 of the air cylinder 320 is connected to the
motorcycle body 20. A penetration hole is formed along
perpendicular direction to the center line of the rod 322 on an end
of rod 322 of the air cylinder 320. One end of the rod 322 is
inserted into the slit 311 of the connection part 310. Bolt is
inserted into the penetration hole of the rod 322 and that of the
connection part 310. Nut is tightened with the bolt.
[0067] The spring 330 is inserted into the rod 322. It is desirable
that the spring 330 is compressed coil spring. One end of the
spring 330 supports one side of cylinder body 321 and the other end
supports one side of the connection part 310.
[0068] The rod 322 of the air cylinder 320 and the third part 130
can be combined with ball joint.
[0069] The body 321 of the air cylinder 320 can be connected to the
motorcycle body 20 moveably.
[0070] A stopper (not illustrated) can be equipped which has
predetermined length. The stopper keeps the second part 120 or the
third part 130 from being too close to the motorcycle body when the
push-pull unit 300 pulls the supporting assembly 100 to the
direction of the motorcycle body 20.
[0071] The control unit 400 applies pressure to air cylinder 320
through the first port 323 or the second port 324 selectively. The
rod 322 of the air cylinder 320 comes out of the body 321 of the
cylinder when the control unit 400 apply pressure to the second
port 324 of the air cylinder 320 while does not apply pressure to
the first port 323 of the air cylinder 320.
[0072] And the rod 322 of the air cylinder 320 moves into the body
321 of the cylinder when the control unit 400 apply pressure to the
first port 323 of the air cylinder 320 while does not apply
pressure to the second port 324 of the air cylinder 320.
[0073] The rod 322 pushes the supporting assembly 100 when it comes
out of the cylinder body 321, and the rod 322 pulls the supporting
assembly 100 to the direction of the motorcycle body 20 when it
moves into the cylinder body 321.
[0074] The spring 330 absorbs impact that applied to the supporting
wheel 200 when the supporting wheel 200 contacts with the ground
with the rod 322 come out of the cylinder body 321. Furthermore,
with the help of the elastic force of the spring 330 the rod 322
will not come into the cylinder body 321 even if inner pressure of
the cylinder body 321 get lower when the supporting wheel 200
contacts with the ground with the rod 322 come out of the cylinder
body 321. By this, the push-pull unit 300 supports the supporting
assembly 100.
[0075] According to a first embodiment of the control unit 400, as
illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the control unit 400 comprises a
pressure tank 410 equipped within the motorcycle body 20, a
plurality of piping 420 that link the push-pull unit 300 with the
tank 410, a valve unit 430 that is connected to the pipings 420 and
controls flow direction of compressed air filled in the pressure
tank 410, and a manipulation unit 440 that controls the valve unit
430.
[0076] The pressure tank 310 is connected to a compressor (not
illustrated) that is a part of the motorcycle body 20. The pressure
tank maintains inner pressure at predetermined value with the help
of the compressor.
[0077] The pipings 420 comprises a first piping 421 that link the
first port 323 of the air cylinder 320 with the valve unit 430, a
second piping 422 that link the second port 324 of the air cylinder
320 with the valve unit 430, and a third piping 423 that link the
pressure tank 410 and the valve unit 430.
[0078] The valve unit 430 comprises a body part 431 that has
cylindrical sealed space in it, a spool 432 inserted into the body
part 431 moveably, and a driving unit 433 that drives the spool in
a round trip on a straight line.
[0079] It is desirable that the body part 431 is cylindrical. A
first vent pipe 434 and a second vent pipe 435 is formed on both
side of the body part 431. A first port P1, a second port P2, and a
third port P3 are equipped on both side of the body part 431. The
first piping 421 is linked to the first port P1 of the body part
431. The second piping 422 is linked to the second port P2 of the
body part 431. The third piping 423 is linked to the third port P3
of the body part 431. There is predetermined distance between the
first port P1 and the second port P2 of the body part 431. The
third port P3 of the body part 431 is located between the first
port P1 and the second port P2.
[0080] The spool 432 comprises an axis part S1, a first circular
plate part S2 equipped on one end of the axis part S1, a second
circular plate part S3 equipped on the axis part S1 at a position
off from the first circular plate part S2 in predetermined
distance.
[0081] The first circular plate part S2 has predetermined thickness
and uniform external diameter, and has circular plate shape.
[0082] The second circular plate part S3 has predetermined
thickness and uniform external diameter, and has circular plate
shape.
[0083] The first circular plate part S2 and the second circular
plate part S3 are inserted into the body part 431, and one end of
the axis part S1 penetrate one side of the body part 431. A part of
the axis part S1 that penetrate out of the body part 431 is
connected to the driving unit 433.
[0084] It is desirable that the driving unit 433 is actuator. The
driving unit 433 can be a linear motor. The driving unit 433 can be
implemented in various ways.
[0085] The third port P3 and the second port P2 of the body part
431 are linked when the first circular plate part S1 contacts on
one side of the body part 431 with the driving unit 433 pushes the
spool 432.
[0086] The third port P3 and the first port P1 of the body part 431
are linked when the first circular plate part S1 exists between the
third port P3 and the second port P2 of the body part 431 with the
driving unit 433 pulls the spool 432.
[0087] Compressed air of the pressure tank 410 flows into the air
cylinder 321 through the third piping, the second piping and the
second port 324 of the air cylinder 320 when the third port P3 and
the second port P2 of the body part 431 linked, and pushes the rod
322.
[0088] Compressed air of the pressure tank 410 flows into the air
cylinder 321 through the third piping 423, the first piping 421 and
the first port 323 of the air cylinder 320 when the third port P3
and the first port P1 of the body part 431 linked, and pulls the
rod 322 into the cylinder body 321.
[0089] The manipulation unit 440 comprises a changeover switch 441
that change status between auto mode and manual mode, a manual
switch 442 that is connected to the changeover switch, an auto
switch 443 that is enabled/disabled due to speed of the motorcycle
body, and a speed sensor 444 connected to the auto switch that
detects speed of the motorcycle body.
[0090] The speed sensor 444 can be the speed gage of the motorcycle
(not illustrated). Furthermore, the speed sensor 444 can be mounted
on the wheel 30 of the motorcycle.
[0091] The manipulation units 440 are equipped on both side of the
motorcycle body 20. It is desirable that the two manipulation units
440 share a speed sensor 444 rather than have its own speed sensor
444 respectively.
[0092] The auto switch 443 is enabled when the speed detected by
the speed sensor 444 is under predetermined speed, and is disabled
when the speed is over predetermined speed.
[0093] When the auto switch 443 is enabled the driving unit 433
pushes the spool 432, and when the auto switch 443 is disabled the
driving unit 433 pulls the spool 432.
[0094] It is desirable that the changeover switch 441 and manual
switch 442 is installed on handle of the motorcycle body 20.
[0095] The changeover switch 441 changes mode into manual mode when
the driver select manual with the manipulation unit 440. And when
the driver enables the manual switch 442, the driving unit 433
pushes the spool 432. By pushing the spool 432, the third piping
423 and the second piping 422 can be linked. The rod 322 of the air
cylinder 320 comes out of the cylinder body 321 and pushes the
supporting assembly 100 with the help of compressed air of pressure
tank 410 when the third piping 423 and the second piping 422 is
linked.
[0096] And, when the driver disables the manual switch 442, the
driving unit 433 pulls the spool 432. By pulling the spool 432, the
third piping 423 and the first piping 421 can be linked. The rod
322 of the air cylinder 320 pulls the supporting assembly 100 with
the help of compressed air of the pressure tank 410 when the third
piping 423 and the first piping 421 linked.
[0097] In the meantime, the changeover switch 441 changes into auto
mode when the driver select auto with the manipulation unit. In
auto mode, auto switch 443 is enabled when the speed of the
motorcycle-speed of the wheels 30 of the motorcycle--is below the
predetermined value so that the driving unit 433 pushed the spool
432. And when the speed of the motorcycle is over the predetermined
value the auto switch 443 is disabled so that the driving unit 433
pulls the spool 432.
[0098] In the meantime, it is desirable to increase pressure
applied to the air cylinder 320 when the rod 322 is pulled into the
cylinder body 321 in order for the supporting wheels 200 being off
from the ground because the spring 330 inserted into the rod 322 is
compressed. It is desirable that a pressure control unit 500 that
controls pressure of air flows that leaks with the movement of the
rod 322 of the air cylinder 320 out of the pressure tank 410 is
equipped on the pipings 420 and the push-pull unit 300.
[0099] The pressure control unit 500, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
comprises a regulator 510 that control pressure equipped on the
third piping 423, a regulator control unit 520 that control the
regulator 510 with the movement of rod 322 of the air cylinder
320.
[0100] According to an embodiment of the regulator control unit
520, the regulator control unit 520 comprises a first bar 521
equipped on the cylinder body 321, a second bar 522 equipped on the
connection part 310, a third bar 523 connected rotatably to one end
of the second bar 522, and a fourth bar 524 that connects the first
521 and the third bar 310, and controls the regulator by the
movement of the rod 322 or the connection part 310. The fourth bar
524 has connection part 525, and contact part 526 that is protruded
and bended from connection part 525 and contacts with the regulator
510. One end of the connection part 525 is connected to another end
of the third bar 523 rotatably, and the other end of the connection
part 525 is connected to the first bar 521 rotatably.
[0101] The second bar 522 moves when the rod 322 is pulled into the
cylinder body 321 or comes out of the cylinder body 321. The
contact part 526 controls the regulator 510 with the movement of
the third bar 523 and the fourth bar 524 initiated by the movement
of the second bar 522.
[0102] The regulator control unit 520 controls the regulator 510 in
order to increase the compressed air applied to the air cylinder
320 when the rod 322 is pulled into the cylinder body 321, and the
regulator control unit 520 controls the regulator 510 in order to
decrease the compressed air applied to the air cylinder 320 when
the rod 322 comes out of the cylinder body 321.
[0103] The regulator control unit can be implemented in various
ways.
MODE FOR INVENTION
[0104] According to a second embodiment of the control unit 400, as
illustrated in FIG. 7, the control unit 400 comprises a pressure
tank 410 equipped on the motorcycle body 20, a plurality of piping
450 that link the push-pull unit 300 and a pressure tank 410, a
valve unit 460 that controls flow direction of compressed air
filled in the pressure tank 410, a manipulation unit 470 that
controls the valve unit.
[0105] The pressure tank 410 is connected to a compressor that is a
part of the motorcycle body 20. The pressure tank 410 maintains
inner pressure at predetermined value with the help of the
compressor (not illustrated).
[0106] The pipings 450 comprise a first piping 451 that links the
pressure tank 410 and the valve unit 450, a second piping 452 that
links the first port 323 of the air cylinder 320 which is a part of
the push-pull unit 300 and the valve unit 450, a third piping 453
that links the second port 324 of the air cylinder 320 and the
valve unit 450, and a fourth piping 454 that is a branch of the
third piping 453 and is linked to the valve unit 450. One end of
the fourth piping 454 is connected to the third piping 453 that is
near the second port 324 of the air cylinder 320.
[0107] The valve unit 460 comprises a first 3 way vale V1, a second
3 way valve V2 that is connected to the first 3 way valve V1, a
connection bar 463 that connects a switch bar 461 of the first 3
way valve V1 and a switch bar 462 of the second 3 way valve V2, and
supplementary air cylinder 464 that is connected to the connection
bar 463 and moves the connection bar 463 in a round trip on a
straight line. The connection bar 463 is connected to the rod 465
that is a part of the supplementary air cylinder 464. It is
desirable that a spring 466 is inserted into the rod 465 of the
supplementary air cylinder 464, and the spring 466 is compressed
coil spring.
[0108] The switch bar 461 of the first 3 way valve V1 is connected
to the connection bar 463 rotatably. The switch bar 462 of the
second 3 way valve V2 is connected to the connection bar 463
rotatably.
[0109] The first piping 451 is connected to the supplementary air
cylinder 464. A branch piping 455 is connected to the first piping,
and the branch piping 455 is connected to a first port a1 of the
first 3 way valve. A second port a2 of the first 3 way valve V1 is
connected to the third piping 453. A third port a3 is connected to
a second port b2 of the second 3 way valve V2.
[0110] The first port b1 of the second 3 way valve is where air
emitted. A third port b3 of the second 3 way valve is connected to
the fourth piping 454. The second piping 452 is connected to the
piping that the first 3 way valve V1 and the second 3 way valve V2
are connected to.
[0111] The manipulation unit 470 comprises a first open-close valve
C1 and a second open-close valve C2 that are parallel relative to
each other, a changeover switch 471 connected to a first open-close
valve C1 that changes between auto mode and manual mode, a manual
switch 472 that is connected to the changeover switch 471, an auto
switch 473 that are enabled/disabled according to the speed of the
motorcycle body, a speed sensor connected to the auto switch 473
that detect the speed of the motorcycle, and a slope detection unit
475 connected to the second open-close valve C2 that open/close the
second open-close valve C2 according to the inclination angle of
the motorcycle body 20 when the motorcycle body 20 is inclined over
predetermined angle.
[0112] The first and second open-close valve C1, C2 is equipped on
the first piping 451 for they can be adjacent to the supplementary
air cylinder 464. The first open-close valve C1 equipped on the
first piping 451 open/close the first piping 451. And, a parallel
connection piping 456 is linked to the first piping 451, one end of
the parallel connection piping 456 is linked to the first piping
451 at the position that is adjacent to one side of the first
open-close valve C1 while the other end of the parallel connection
piping 456 is linked to the first piping 451 at the position that
is adjacent to the other side of the first open-close valve C1. The
second open-close valve C2 is equipped on the parallel connection
piping 456, the second open-close valve C2 and the first open-close
valve C1 are parallel relative to each other.
[0113] Pressure of the pressure tank 410 is applied to the
supplementary air cylinder 464 via the first piping 451 when the
first open-close valve C1 or the second open-close valve C2 is
opened.
[0114] Then the rod 465 of the supplementary air cylinder 646 is
pulled into the cylinder body 467 so that the rod 465 pulls the
connection bar 463.
[0115] When the first open-close valve C1 and the second open-close
valve C2 are closed, the rod 465 come out to the cylinder body 467
and pulls the connection bar 463 by elastic force of the spring 466
because pressure of the pressure tank 410 is no longer applied to
the supplementary air cylinder 464.
[0116] When the rod 465 of the supplementary air cylinder 464 pulls
the connection bar 463, the first port a1 and the second port a2 of
the first 3 way valve V1 are linked while the third port a3 is
closed, and the first port b1 and the second port b2 of the second
3 way valve V2 are linked, while the third port b3 is closed. By
this, compressed air in the pressure tank 410 is applied to a
surface of the rod 322 via the first port a1, the second port a2 of
the first 3 way valve V1, the third piping 453, and the second port
of the air cylinder 320 so that the rod 322 come out of the air
cylinder body 321. Herein, air filled in the cylinder body 321 of
the other side of the rod 322 of the air cylinder 320 is exhausted
via the first port 323 of the air cylinder 320, the second piping
452 and the first port b1, the second port b2 of the second 3 way
valve V2. The rod 322 pushed the supporting assembly 100 when the
rod 322 of the air cylinder 320 comes out of the cylinder body 321.
When the rod 465 of the supplementary air cylinder 464 pushes the
connection bar 463, the first port a1 and the third port a3 of the
first 3 way valve V1 are linked while the second port a2 is closed,
the first port b1 and the third port b3 of the second 3 way valve
V2 are linked while the second port b2 is closed. By this,
compressed air in the pressure tank 410 is applied to the other
surface of the rod 322 that is placed in the air cylinder body 321
via the first port a1, the third port a3 of the first 3 way valve
V1, the second piping 452 and the first port 323 of the air
cylinder so that the rod 322 of the air cylinder 320 is pulled into
the air cylinder body 321. Herein, air filled in the air cylinder
body 321 of the other surface of the rod 322 of the air cylinder is
exhausted via the second port 324 of the air cylinder 320, the
third piping 453, the fourth piping 454 and the first port b1, the
third port b3 of the second valve V2. The rod 322 of the air
cylinder 320 pulls the supporting assembly 100 when the rod 322 of
the air cylinder 320 is pulled into the air cylinder body 320.
[0117] An exhaust pipe 469 which is not explained above is
equipped.
[0118] It is desirable that the changeover switch 471 and the
manual switch 472 are installed on the handle of the motorcycle
body 20. The driver operate the changeover switch 471. When the
changeover switch 471 is selected as manual mode, the driver can
enable/disable the manual switch 472 in order to open/close the
first open-close valve C1. When the changeover switch 471 is auto
mode, the auto switch 473 is enabled when the speed of the
motorcycle detected by the speed sensor 474 is below predetermined
value so that the first open-close valve C1 is opened. While the
speed of the motorcycle is over predetermined value the auto switch
473 is disabled so that the first open-close valve C1 is
closed.
[0119] The control units 400 are equipped on both side of the
motorcycle body 20. It is desirable that the two control units 400
share one speed sensor 474 that is a part of the control unit 400
rather than have its own speed sensor 474 respectively.
[0120] Compressed air in the pressure tank 410 is applied to the
supplementary air cylinder 464 when the first open-close valve C1
opened, and is no longer applied to the supplementary air cylinder
464 when the first open-close valve C1 closed.
[0121] The slope detection unit 475 comprises a stick 476 equipped
on a side of the motorcycle body 20 that can move as a pendulum, a
first limit switch 477 and a second limit switch 478 that are
placed in a predetermined distance from the stick 476 when the
stick 476 is perpendicular.
[0122] A penetration hole is perforated on one end of the stick
476. A pin 479 is equipped on the motorcycle body 20. The pin 479
is inserted into the penetration hole of the stick 476. The stick
476 moves as a pendulum with the pin 479 as an axis of
movement.
[0123] It is desirable that the first limit switch 477 is placed on
the left side, the second limit switch 478 is placed on the right
side of the stick 476 when the motorcycle is seen at the front. The
first limit switch 477 is connected to the second open-close valve
C2 of the control unit 400 that is placed on the left side of the
motorcycle body 20, while the second limit switch 478 is connected
to the second open-close valve C2 of the control unit that is
placed on the right side of the motorcycle body 20.
[0124] The stick 476 touches the first limit switch 477 when
motorcycle is inclined to the left side over predetermined value
when the motorcycle is seen at the front. And the stick 476 touches
the second limit switch 478 when motorcycle is inclined to the
right side over predetermined value when the motorcycle is seen at
the front. And, the stick 476 will not touch the first limit switch
477 or the second limit switch 478 when the motorcycle is
perpendicular or inclined within tolerable angle.
[0125] The second open-close valve C2 is opened when the stick 476
touches the first limit switch 477, and is closed when the stick
476 do not touches the first limit switch 477. Compressed air in
the pressure tank 410 is applied to the supplementary air cylinder
464 when the second open-close valve C2 is opened, but compressed
air in the pressure tank 410 is no longer applied to the
supplementary air cylinder 464 when the second open-close valve C2
is closed.
[0126] The second open-close valve C2 is opened when the stick 476
touches the second limit switch 478 of the right side, and is
closed when the stick 476 do not touches the second limit switch
487.
[0127] According to a second embodiment of the control unit 400, it
is desirable that the control unit 400 comprises a pressure control
unit equipped onto the pipings and the push-pull unit to control
pressure escaping from the pressure tank 410 with the movement of
the rod 322 of the air cylinder 320.
[0128] The pressure control unit comprises a regulator equipped on
the first piping 451, a regulator control unit that controls the
regulator with the movement of the rod. Composition of the pressure
control unit is not different from that of above explained the
pressure control unit.
[0129] Supplementary brake system (not illustrated) can be equipped
to the supporting assembly 100 in order to control the revolution
speed of the supporting wheels 200.
[0130] Hereinafter, effectiveness of the safety device according to
the present invention is disclosed.
[0131] At first, the push-pull unit 300 pulls the supporting
assembly 100 so that the second part 120 and the third part 130 of
the supporting assembly 100 become close to the motorcycle body 20.
Herein, the supporting wheel 200 installed onto the third part 300
is off from the ground and is moved close to the motorcycle body
20. Therefore, the supporting wheel 200 will not contact the ground
while the motorcycle is driving.
[0132] When the driver wishes to stop the motorcycle in driving he
operates the brake system. Rotation speed of the wheel 200 is
decreased when the break system is operated.
[0133] The driver operate the control unit 400 so that the
push-pull unit 300 pushes the supporting assembly 100 to the ground
when the safety device is in manual mode. The second part 120 and
the third part 130 are unfolded when the push-pull unit 300 pushes
the supporting assembly 100. The supporting wheel 200 rotates in
contact with the ground when the second part 120 and the third part
130 are unfolded. The motorcycle can be at a standstill even if the
motorcycle stops for the supporting wheels 200 that are equipped on
both side of the motorcycle body 20 keep contact with the
ground.
[0134] And the driver operate the control unit 400 in order for the
push-pull unit 300 pulls the second part 120 and the third part 130
of the supporting assembly 100 to the direction of the motorcycle
body 20 when the motorcycle starts driving again after stopping for
a moment. The supporting wheels 200 moves close to the motorcycle
body 20 after taking off from the ground when the push-pull unit
300 pulls the second part 120 and the third part 130 to the
direction of the motorcycle body 20. The motorcycle moves the
supporting wheels 200 to the direction of the motorcycle body 20
then the motorcycle starts driving again.
[0135] In the meantime, the control unit 400 controls the push-pull
unit 300 in order for the push-pull unit 300 to push the second
part 120 and the third part 130 of the supporting assembly 100 when
the rotation speed of the wheel 30 of the motorcycle is below
predetermined value by the break system with the control unit 400
selected as auto mode by the driver.
[0136] The second part 120 and the third part 130 are unfolded when
the push-pull unit 300 pushes the supporting assembly 100. The
second part 120 and the third part 130 are unfolded when the
push-pull unit 300 pushes the supporting assembly 100. The
supporting wheel 200 rotates in contact with the ground when the
second part 120 and the third part 130 are unfolded. The motorcycle
can be at a standstill even if the motorcycle stops for the
supporting wheels 200 that are equipped on both side of the
motorcycle body 20 keep contact with the ground.
[0137] When the motorcycle starts driving again after stopping for
a moment and the rotation speed of the wheel is over predetermined
value, the control unit 400 control the push-pull unit 300 to pull
the second part 120 and the third part 130 of the supporting
assembly 100 to the direction of the motorcycle body 20. The
supporting wheels 200 moves close to the motorcycle body 20 after
taking off from the ground when the push-pull unit 300 pulls the
second part 120 and the third part 130 to the direction of the
motorcycle body 20. The operation of controlling the push-pull unit
300 of the control unit 400 is as of the explanation stated
above.
[0138] The driver can park the motorcycle with the support wheels
in contact with the ground when he stops the motorcycle and does
not wish to drive the motorcycle anymore.
[0139] In the meantime, the motorcycle would fall down when the
motorcycle inclined over predetermined angle when the motorcycle is
driving a curved path. According to the second embodiment of the
control unit 400 controls the push-pull unit 300 of inclination
direction so that the push-pull unit 300 to push the second part
120 and the third part 130 when the slope detection unit 475
detects inclination of the motorcycle body 20. It is possible to
keep the motorcycle from being fell down with the help of the
supporting wheel 200 of inclination direction that the supporting
wheel 200 keeps contacts with the ground when the push-pull unit
300 to push the second part 120 and the third part 130.
[0140] That is, the supporting wheel 200 keeps contact with the
ground so that it prevent the motorcycle from being fell down when
the motorcycle is inclined over predetermined degree to right or
left.
[0141] In the meantime, the supporting wheels 200 keep the driver
from being wounded when the motorcycle slide and fall down because
the supporting wheels 200 become in touch with the ground
quickly.
[0142] Furthermore, the driver can easily make the motorcycle stand
when it falls down by manipulating the control unit 400 of falling
direction so that the push-pull unit 300 pushes the supporting
assembly 100 and the supporting wheels 200 at the same time, and
then the supporting wheels 200 push the motorcycle body 20 while it
keep contact with the ground.
[0143] Furthermore, one can easily ride on the rear saddle of the
motorcycle when the push-pull unit 300 pushes the second part 120
and the third part 130 of the supporting assembly 100 so that the
supporting wheel 200 keeps contact with the ground because he can
step on the supporting assembly 100.
* * * * *